About

Shawn received her B.Ch.E. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota in 2002. As an undergraduate, she conducted research into compatibilization of polymer blends, with the ultimate goal of developing biodegradable plastics for consumer applications. She completed her M.S.E. in Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University in 2004, and is currently working towards her Ph.D. in the fields of Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials. For her Masters thesis, she investigated polyelectrolyte complexation as a means of encapsulation and subsequent delivery of therapeutic genes. Her Ph.D. thesis research focuses on evaluating the response of stem cells and primary neural cells to surface-bound biochemical and topographical signals, and integrating these cues into the design of novel nerve guide conduits that facilitate peripheral nerve regeneration.

Education

Johns Hopkins University

Ph.D. , Bioengineering

Class of 2010

Awards & Publications